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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
TO BARON DE STONNE.....TO FIND HIMSELF BETWEEN, by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In twice five winters more and one Last Line: A sigh, a farewell, and a tear. Alternate Author Name(s): Aikin, Anna Letitia Subject(s): Astronomy & Astronomers; Mercury (planet); Future | |||
In twice five winters more and one, Hermes again will cross the Sun; Again a dusky spot appear, Slow-journeying o'er his splendied sphere: The stars shall slide into their places, Exhibiting the self-same faces, And in the like position fix As Thursday morning, eighty-six. But changing mortals hope in vain Their lost position more to gain; -- Once more between La Borde and me! -- Ah, wish not what will never be! For wandering planets have their rules, Well known in astronomic schools; But life's swift wheels will ne'er turn back, When once they've measured o'er their track. Eleven years, -- twice five and one, -- Is a long hour in Beauty's sun: Those years will pilfer many a grace Which decks La Borde's enchanting face; The little Loves which round her fly, Will moult the wing, and droop, and die: And I, grown dull, my lyre unstrung In some old chimney corner hung, Gay scenes of Paris all forgot, Shall rust within my silent cot: Life's summer ended, and life's spring, Nor she shall charm, nor I shall sing. Even Cook, upon whose blooming brow The youthful graces open now, Eleven years may vastly change: No more the Provinces he'll range; No more with humid eyes entreat, And wait his doom at Beauty's feet; Married and grave, he'll spend his time Far from the idleness of rime; Forgetting oranges and myrtle, Will drink his port and eat his turtle; Perhaps with country justice sit, And turn his back on thee and Wit. For thee, my friend, whose copious vein Pours forth at will the polished strain, With every talent formed to please, Each fair idea quick to seize; -- Who knows within so long a space What scenes the present may efface, What course thy stream of life may take, What winds may curl, what storms may shake, What varying colours, gay or grave, Shall tinge by turns the passing wave; Of objects on its banks what swarms -- The loftier or the fairer forms -- Shall glide before the liquid glass, And print their image as they pass? Let Fancy then and Friendship stray In Pleasure's flowery walks today, Today improve the social hours, And build today the Muse's bowers; And when life's pageant on will go, Try not to stop the passing show; But give to scenes that once were dear, A sigh, a farewell, and a tear. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...WE ARE THOSE PEOPLE by ROBINSON JEFFERS GRANITE AND CYPRESS by ROBINSON JEFFERS WATCH THE LIGHTS FADE by ROBINSON JEFFERS A PRAYER FOR THE FUTURE by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) TWO SONNETS, IN 1972: 1. FEBRUARY by DAVID LEHMAN FOR FUTURES by JOSEPHINE MILES WRITTEN DURING DEPRESSION: HOW TO BE HAPPY by MARVIN BELL A MAN CAME TUESDAY by JOHN CIARDI ODE TO SPRING by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD |
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